Motown

Motown is was the first style of African-American music to have major commercial success in the white mass market. Distinctive characteristics are the use of tambourine along with a drum kit, Rhythm and Blues instrumentation, and a 'call and response' singing style originating in Gospel music.

It was popularized by Motown Records of Detroit, Michigan in the 1960s. The many artists of Motown Records collaborated to produce several hit songs.

Table of contents

1 Examples 2 Other artists 3 External Links

Examples

• "ABC" by The Jackson 5
• "You Keep Me Hangin' On" by Diana Ross and the Supremes
• "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by Marvin Gaye

Other artists

• The Four Tops
• Gladys Knight
• Martha & the Vandellas
• Smokey Robinson
• Stevie Wonder
• The Temptations
• Mary Wells
• Jackie Wilson

From 1959 to 1971, many of these acts were backed by Motown Records' major studio band, The Funk Brothers which was credited for being instrumental in creating the essential sound of Motown. The band's career and work is chronicled in the acclaimed documentary, Standing In The Shadows Of Motown.

See also: Berry Gordy

List of record labels

External Links

Motown Records -- http://www.motown.com/

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